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Ontario Chapter January 27, 2015 Event Update

Federal Procurement Professionals Up Their Game Through Regular Meetings

For federal servants who buy on behalf of the government, the Canadian Institute for Procurement and Materiel Management (CIPMM) is a valuable source of information and insights. The most recent meeting of the Ontario chapter, which is run by PWGSC Ontario Region’s Client Engagement group for Acquisitions Branch, was particularly action-packed and charted some new territory.

The Canadian Institute for Procurement and Materiel Management (CIPMM) is a not-for-profit organization open to anyone with an interest in the management of goods and services in the public sector, serving as an important forum to learn about current initiatives, policies and best practices. Regional CIPMM meetings are held twice a year, in various locations. The latest meeting was hosted on January 27, 2015 at our regional Acquisitions office in Mississauga, Ont.

The topics addressed included PWGSC’s procurement transformation initiatives, focusing on digital procurement and our Smart Procurement strategy, which generated lively discussion. Other items on the agenda were new office furniture procurement templates and the anticipated impact of the Building Canada Plan, which provides over $5 billion in funding for infrastructure projects. Our regional Supply Specialists were present to offer their perspective on these issues and participate in a meet-and-greet with representatives from various client departments and agencies.Itwasaunique opportunity for clients to meet the PWGSC buyers who work with them.

Two very special guests from PWGSC’s Office of the Procurement Ombudsman in Ottawa also attended to share their expertise and answer questions about fairness, openness and transparency in federal procurement. They delved specifically into a description of their Dispute Resolution Services, available to clients at no charge, which can be instrumental in resolving disagreements with suppliersrelated, for instance,todifferentinterpretationsofcontracttermsandconditions.

Covering the full gamut of procurement news, a representative from PWGSC’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, which helps smaller companies compete for government contracts, was on-hand to deliver an update on the exciting Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP). The BCIP, which just wrapped up its fifth Call for Proposals, helps Canadian entrepreneurs by procuringselectinnovationsandofferingthemto federal departments and agencies to test for free.

The date and theme of the next Annual National Workshop, which will take place on May 12 and 13 at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre, were announced and an informative brochure about the event handed out to the regional meeting participants. Focusing on Managing through Transition, the Workshop boasts an impressive bill of fare, with 30 distinct sessions designed tosupport the needsof all departments and agencies, regardless of their size, mandate and program.

Our January CIPMM meeting brought together diverse members of the federal community. Departments represented included the Canada Border Services Agency, Correctional Service Canada, Defence Research and Development Canada, the Department of National Defence, Natural Resources Canada, the Parole Board of Canada and Passport Canada. Whether attending in-person or via teleconference, they had a chance to hear from PWGSC procurement experts and network with colleagues to reflect on common issues, exchange ideas and share information.

The feedback regarding the regional gathering was very positive, with participants expressing their appreciation for a well-organized and engaging meeting. The next CIPMM meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 2, 2015. Please contact Raquel Kim / 905-615-2073 for details!